ancientcraftnoccultism

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It's my birthday week! :3

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Introduction To Candle Magic

Ancient Craft & Occultism

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By KB

Introduction

Welcome back witches in training! We've been covering a lot of ground bases lately, especially within the realms of spellwork. Today, we're going to take that a bit further by opening our horizons to the infinite world of Candle Magic! In this lesson, we're going to discuss basic color magic, the history of candles, and how to use candles in your craft. Let's get to it!

A Brief Candle History

The exact origin of the candle is quite a debate among historical scholars, but there is a large sum of evidence that suggests candles made of beeswax were used in Egypt and Crete as early as 3000 BCE. Other early candles were fashioned using tallow-soaked tapers manufactured from fibrous materials like rushes. Rushlights were one of the first types of enclosed light we are aware of, yet they were unlike candles as we know them today because they lacked a wick. The impoverished continued to utilize them for centuries because they were also inexpensive to produce.

It may come as no surprise that the Romans are credited with creating the first wicked candles by continuously dipping a roll of papyrus into tallow, a converted form of beef or mutton fat, while wrapping it around a length of twine. Candles were still used in the same manner, but they had superior quality and a longer lifespan than rushlights.

However, candle production was not only practiced by the Romans. Wicked candles were "invented" by numerous other ancient civilizations who also used local plant-based waxes. The eulachon fish, which is so oily that when dried, it would burn like a candle when you ignite one end, was used as a candle by tribes in Alaska and Canada. The Chinese used wrapped ricepaper as wicks. In India, wax was created from the fruit of the cinnamon tree.

Candles, in any form, were a significant component of religious rites throughout this time. The Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, was originally documented around 165 B.C. Constantine, the Roman emperor between 306 and 337 A.D., mandated the use of lamps during Easter celebrations. Indeed, from roughly the time of Constantine, lights have played a significant role in religious events and signify the purifying light of God.

Candle flames were seen by ancient peoples to reveal enigmatic things. One could experience an altered state of consciousness and see gods, spirits, or the future by gazing into a flame. In a magic ceremony for "dreaming true," or getting information from dreams, the late Egyptians of the third century B.C. utilized lamps and possibly candles. He retired to a pitch-black cave that faced south and sat there gazing into a flame till he saw a god. Then he went to sleep, hoping that the deity would show up in his dreams and provide him with the answers he was looking for.

The Roman Christian scholar Tertullian fiercely objected to the ancient Pagan practice of lighting candles and lights during religious ceremonies, calling it "the useless lighting of lamps at noon." Candles and lamps were used in Christian rites from the fourth century, but candles weren't put on church altars until the later Middle Ages, starting in the twelfth century. Consecrated holy candles are used in ceremonies for blessings, atonement for sins, and the exorcism of demons, all of which were instituted by the Catholic Church.

Using Candles In The Craft

Candles have long been used as versatile tools, but in witchcraft, they can also be used for divination, spirit sensing, casting spells, and a variety of other things. Let's jump right in.

Divination - Reading the wax and observing how the candle really burns are the two most popular techniques for candle divination. You must observe the candle's burning pattern, including its height, flickering, and the presence of many flames, in order to make a prediction based on how it burns. Two flames could indicate assistance from the afterlife in achieving your objective. Even the hues of the flame may give you a clue as to how well your efforts are going. However, there is no agreement on what these indications signify. While some practitioners hold that a candle that burns tall and strongly indicates that one's request will be granted, others draw attention to the fact that the wick's length and quality, as well as an air vent, can affect how the candle burns. Prioritize your intention over the candle's burning process. You can always read the wax once it hardens, or pour the wax directly into cold water for it to harden and then interpret the symbols, much like you would with bone throwing, or scrying. Personally, I also like to pay attention to the smoke and interpret the way the smoke from the candle flows in order to interpret surrounding energies.

Spirit Work - Fire scrying is the most common way to communicate with spirits, and as it's the only method with candles I have experience with, that's what I will be discussing here. I encourage you to do your own research into spirit communication outside of my suggestion, because I'm sure there are plenty other methods out there. Again, there is no base consensus in a means to interpretation, as spirits and practitioners alike have different ways of communication. Just like with any other scrying, its imperative to stay connected to your personal energy while connecting with surrounding energy to properly interpret the signals you are receiving. Connecting with deities is also possible using this method of Candle Magic.

Rituals/Spellwork - In rituals and spells, candles are used to increase vibrations, represent specific elements and other important objects or creatures, use symbolism, and seal items like letters or spell bottles. Even candle spells can be created simply lighting a candle with intention. It is very common to carve, dress, and anoint candles in aid for ritual and spellwork as well. Fire being the main force driving the work, of course.

Worship - Candles are often used as offerings for various deities. Symbolism, color, and dressings can all play a part of this as well. They are also used as a beacon for an entity to guide you through your working.

Candle Correspondences

When undertaking serious candle work, choosing the right candle colors is crucial. Each hue has a unique meaning and possesses unique abilities. It's crucial to pick colors that align with your aims while working with candles in spells or rituals. Please remember that this is a very basic list and that the things you will read in your personal correspondence are far more significant than anything you will read here.

White - Attraction, Purification, Protection, Balance, Clarity, Grounding, Healing, Hope, Innocence, Optimism, Peace, Truth, Willpower

White can take the place of any other color when not available. Just a bit of visualization is required.

Black - Acceptance, Afterlife, Banishing, Binding, Determination, Endings, Justice, Loss, Release, Break, Security, Grief, Negativity, Patience, Persistence, Rebirth, Strength, Self Control

Red - Assertiveness, Courage, Creativity, Energy, Desire, Loyalty, Motivation, Power, Survival, Change

Yellow - Action, Communication, Learning, Finances, Business, Intellect, Inspiration, Knowledge, Wisdom, Stimulation

Pink - Acceptance, Affection, Beauty, Compassion, Healing, Family, Harmony, Kindness, Longevity, Nurturing, Partnership, Prosperity

Green - Abundance, Agriculture, Beauty, Creativity, Family, Fertility, Healing, Luck, Environment, Nurturing

Purple - Authority, Enlightenment, Spirituality, Emotions, Imagination, Influence, Truth, Wisdom, Overcoming Fear

Orange - Adaptive, Ambition, Confidence, Courage, Discipline, Energy, Freedom, Justice, Positivity, Pleasure, Stimulation, Travel

Blue - Honesty, Truth, Trust, Dreams, Sleep, Mental, Wisdom, Leadership, Fertility, Marriage, Healing, Study

Brown - Endurance, Animals, Balance, Courage, Grounding, Stability, Protection

Silver - Awareness, Intuition, Money, Purification, Potential, Stability, Success, Celestial

Gold - Abundance, Ambition, Money, Happiness, Power, Influence, Solar energy

Even if you aren't aware of it, the type of candle and the type of wax it is made of may have an impact on your craft. It can all come down to functionality or magical implications.

Taper Candles

Taper candles are tall, thin candles with a tapered top; they are often placed in vintage, smaller candle jars and are more ornamental and symbolic. Shorter taper candles are typically used to seal objects with wax. They can, however, be utilized for any task.

Pillar Candles

There are many different types of pillar candles, but these are the ones I see used almost exclusively. They differ from being short and fat to being tall and slim. They can be utilized for a variety of purposes, but I've found that rituals are where they're most useful.

Votive Candles

Votive candles are little and barely taper more at the base. They are frequently placed in glass candle holders and are used as offerings to deities. Given that their modest, tapering size is what makes them votives, their sizes rarely fluctuate. But they do come in a variety of colors. They are often white.

Tealights

Tealights are tiny, thin, and short candles. You can use them to make offerings, perform spells and rituals, decorate, or even keep wax warmers warm. I frequently observe this kind of candle being used, largely because they are the least expensive candles available.

Now, let's go over some of the different wax types.

Beeswax

It used to be difficult and dangerous to obtain beeswax, which added to the candle's mystique and spiritual power. Beeswax is a natural substance that burns more slowly, making it a premium item among contemporary candle spiritual practitioners; yet, because of its price, it may not be the best choice. Beeswax candles are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and hues and can be rolled, poured, or dipped. Longer ancestral rituals that demand higher vibrations and purpose work best with these candles.

Soy

People who use earth magic sometimes like soy candles since they are natural. Although they tend to burn for a shorter period of time than beeswax candles, they keep fragrances quite well. When dressed, they can also be extremely fragile and challenging to mold or carve. The majority of soy candles are already housed in glass. They are most effective when utilized in ancestral rituals for healing and rebirth.

Paraffin

Since it's a byproduct of the petroleum industry, many people consider it to be less natural than the available alternatives. The fact that it releases chemicals like toluene into the air makes it a poor choice for poorly ventilated areas. Other than providing the foundation for candles, I haven't discovered any sources that discuss the magickal powers of paraffin itself. I found a few for petroleum jelly, which is frequently used as a foundation for herbal salves, but they mainly praised how simple it was to use as an ointment. Even our non-human ancestors may have used petroleum, according to some sources, which makes it a solid foundation for ancestor magic.

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I offer readings! 🌹✨️

Can I pay for a reading from you?

I apologize but i don't offer readings. Offering paid witchcraft services has just never been my thing.

Anyone who does offer readings is more than welcome to comment or reblog this to share details about what you offer & your pricing. ❣️

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Making Moon Water

Ancient Craft & Occultism

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By KB

Introduction

Welcome back everyone! Since we've covered an introduction to Lunar phases, I figured it'd be a great time to have a quick lesson on moon water! In this lesson, we're going to talk about what exactly moon water is, different methods of making it, and how we can use it in our craft! Let's get to it. ♡

What Is Moon Water?

Humans have revered the moon and all of the lunar energy it offers since ancient times. Numerous religions and activities place a significant emphasis on the moon. The moon is viewed by many of these religions as a goddess-like figure that is crucial to human existence. These beliefs and behaviors frequently use the moon as a guide or energy conduit. Moon water is frequently used in witchcraft, Wicca, and other spiritual disciplines. The idea of moon water actually dates back to the early to mid 1800s and is associated with witchcraft. Moon water is simply water that has absorbed the energy of the moon by being exposed to it for an extended amount of time.

How To Make Moon Water

Many moon water recipes found online suggest placing a container of water outside in the moonlight. Even though that is undoubtedly a component of the standard recipe and a precise description of the magic's external, visible shape, creating moon water takes a little more than simply pouring some water outside. Any good moon water must be carefully crafted; while the moon and all it represents provide the majority of the blend's power, it is the witch who must weave the threads that eventually unite these energies to make it all possible. You must tell the moon where to direct its energy, and you must tell the water where to locate the energy's absorbent medium. In the absence of that, all you have is some water that has been left outside. You must actively participate in the creation of moon water if you want it to be as successful as possible.

Fill a non-plastic container with water to start. Some recipes specify that water must be procured from a natural source. While water taken straight from a natural source, such rain or a lake, will have a stronger intrinsic "charge" and a more distinct magickal imprint, it may also include bacteria, parasites, organic or chemical pollutants, and it might also be contaminated. Drinking water, such as purified spring water or even regular tap water, is a more practical and convenient option for some workings because it is widely available and creates a secure and drinkable potion foundation. The type of water that is suitable for your recipe will depend on how you plan to use the moon water.

Bring the water container outside, put it close to a window, a wall outside, or a high position inside your house. The water can be heated, cooled, or left at room temperature. Spend some time contemplating the moon and focusing on the purposes you have for your moonwater. Will the water to absorb as much moonlight as it can by visualizing it literally opening to the energy of the moon. Directly invite and ask the lunar energies to enter the water by focusing your heart on the lunar essences you want to add to your concoction. It could be beneficial to picture energy connecting threads running from your body to the moon and from the moon into the water in your container. Imagine the water's internal structure truly altering, its vibrations rising as it takes in and harmonizes with the moon's energy flow. As you call on the moonlight to illuminate the water and assert your witchcraft by telling it what it should become, have faith in your instincts and your links to nature.

Any lunar working will benefit from a simple moon water, which will also strengthen any spells cast to advance healing, foster love, increase psychic power, or foster creativity. Moonlight, water, and the witch herself are the only necessary components of a moon water. If you'd like, you can add stones or plants that more directly reflect your aspirations, but be careful not to include anything poisonous to a potion that you want to consume or apply topically to your body. Witchcraft frequently involves the use of toxic herbs, and many common stones can leach toxins into moonwater.

Ways To Use Moon Water

Moon water is both a blank canvas and a carefully crafted work of wonder. It can be modified with additional components to fit any particular magical aim you may have, used as a base for other potions to increase their magical potency, or used as a spell all by itself. The moon's phases can also be used to make moonwater with various properties. With the exception of abstaining from ingesting any harmful substances and avoiding contact with potentially irritating substances, there are no restrictions on how you can utilize moon water. Here are only a few suggestions.

Anoint your ritual spaces & tools before a magical working

Use it in cleaning to bring in certain energies

Use it to cast a circle

Use it in glamor magic by washing your face and hair with it

Freeze in ice cubes for quick elixirs

Use for scrying

Dip your paintbrushes in them to add enchantment to your art

Drink it & cook with it

Water your plants with it

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Monthly Special ♡

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Ancient Craft & Occultism

More On Spellwork

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By KB

Introduction

Whew…it's been a rough few weeks. Thanks to everyone for holding out and being patient with me as I try to get things together. Anywhooo - welcome back to class ♡ We're going to sink our teeth a bit deeper into the sweet and savory taste of spellwork! Last time, we went over the basic foundations of spellwork - raising, gathering, directing, releasing, sealing, and conducting a spell! Today, we're going to discuss different energy currents to create for your spell, talk a bit more on sealing the spell, and were going to talk about some mishaps that may happen during spellwork.

Energy Currents/Tethering

Scientifically, this would be a conduit you build that acts as a battery to send the surge of energy towards your goal - the exchange of potential and kinetic energy. If say, you were to create a tether from the sun, or moon, or a power plant, or your favorite waterfall, to say, yourself, you would be taking potential energy from that source and storing it (like a battery) in yourself. Until you used it, in which case you would convert that energy into kinetic energy.

You have the ability to intentionally direct energy currents from one energy source to another, much like a connection of attachment forms between you and whatever you hold dear. Even while these may require some upkeep, they are perfect if you are working on anything that calls for a lot of concentrated energy.

Typically, it functions best when there is a charged object between which you wish to establish a cord of conduit and an energy source. For this, it's crucial to connect with your personal energy, visualize, and open your mind's eye. When the chord has developed, you'll notice it. You can now construct a constant flow toward your directed target for the spell once the cord has established. The best part is that, like with a typical chord cut, you can toggle it off at any time as if it were a switch.

Sealing The Spell

For magical activities, endings are immensely potent. If you know what you're doing, you can exploit endings' strength to make your magic more effective. If you are executing a ritual to rid yourself of a problem, sealing the ceremony is a means to make sure that the energy of the ritual stays concentrated on eliminating the problem rather than fading away. By sealing the ritual, you permanently lock the ritual's energy in place. You strengthen your will by establishing that concluding contract. Something coming to an end provides closure and can help define limits. It might provide as a space to unwind and consider what has happened.

A sealed spell keeps out unwelcome effects similarly to how sealing a jar keeps out undesirable air. Sealing your spell is crucial for any practitioner who wants to have long-lasting effects because of these advantages. Your spell becomes more enduring and less prone to change if you seal it. This indicates that your magic will be considerably more difficult to change, which may be advantageous if your spell was well-written. But if you wind up regretting it, it may be a problem.

Making ensuring your spells are properly tied and secured to prevent alterations without your consent is known as sealing them. A sealed spell is comparable to saying "amen" or "so mote it be" following a working. It is a declaration that you have completed applying magic to this specific spell and is followed by your name. Even in secular circumstances, such as when signing a lease for a new car, there are rituals for finality. When you sign it, the intention (the new car) becomes yours.

The feeling that something has been left undone or that the spell itself has no effect can result from failing to seal a spell. Your spells must be sealed in order to be as focused and powerful as possible. It's possible that you won't have enough energy, that you won't be able to control your magical power, or that you won't know what to do next if you don't seal them properly. You might think the spell hasn't fully taken effect yet or that something is missing. If everything was done correctly, though, you would be fully aware of what needed to be done, where you needed to go, and how to get there.

Which brings me to our next section…

When Spells Take a Left Turn

Even the best of us experience it. You compose a spell with an intent, prepare all the necessary components and tools, cast the magic, and then something goes wrong. This section aims to explain the numerous reasons why spells go awry, their causes, and solutions. Now, please keep in mind these are not all of the ways and reasons as to why spells go wrong, but rather what I have found to be the most common through interactions with novices.

Nothing Happens

Simply understanding how a spell functions will go a long way in explaining this. In many ways, a spell is actually rather simple to grasp. It simply involves raising and accumulating energy, giving that energy a purpose or direction, and then releasing the energy into the world with the use of a catalyst. The "release" or "catalyst" is the crucial component in this. A spell that fails and does nothing is a result of the catalyst in this equation not functioning. It was not powerful enough to elicit the anticipated response, resulting in a transformation reaction that would cause the energy to move and flow toward its intended use. Energy returns to the source it was drawn from, as it cannot be generated or destroyed.

The majority of us experience fatigue or exhaustion after casting spells, which is natural. It is because of all the effort and focus we put into attracting that energy to us for use in our operations. The fact that we continue to feel exhausted and drained after casting a spell contributes to the difficulty in determining whether or not it was successful. It's important to keep in mind that the spellwork and energy pulling, rather than the actual energy movement, are what cause the tiredness.

This pattern of spell work, generally the catalyst, is the main cause of a spell failing 99% of the time. Any spell's catalyst is as basic as your knowledge and trust that it will work. You are not releasing the magic into the world and preventing the energy from taking form and shape if you don't believe the spell will succeed. Instead, that energy returns to being what it was before. When you cast a magic, the knowledge and trust that the spell will work give the spell its physical shape. Your faith gives it shape, even though the energy fuels it and the goal provides it direction. There is nothing to keep it together without that form. Imagine it as a bucket that is gathering water. Water serves as both the energy source and the function of the spout, but without a bucket to hold it all together, it simply empties onto the ground.

Backfiring

When a spell you cast backfires, it can cause the magic to act arbitrarily, work on someone else, and have several terrible side effects on you (with purpose, yes, getting to the end goal, yes, but still having random events thrown in being unpredictable to say the least). Contrary to popular opinion, a spell backfire might not harm you or even have any effect on you, therefore the name "backfire" is somewhat misleading.

This is exemplified perfectly by the next example. Imagine casting a charm to help secure a new loan you are requesting. You followed all the instructions exactly (or so you believe), but when the time comes to apply for the loan, you are rejected. Yet a week later, a friend of yours learns that she was given a loan even though her credit was considerably worse than yours. This was a miscast spell. You weren't impacted by it, but your friend was. Let's say you're being harassed at school and you want that person gone. You do a quick banishing spell to get them to go away, and they comply. However, all of a sudden your other pals start acting distant and cold toward you as well, ultimately abandoning you. This is an illustration of a spell that you cast that did its job but injured you in the process by leaving you alone rather than just removing one person.

A distraction when casting a spell is typically the most frequent reason for a spell to go wrong. In order to avoid this, it is crucial to always maintain a proper focus while performing any spell work. A spell's energy and working are very important.

Imagine the magic as a bodily cell. It develops, acquires mitochondria and nuclei, has a definite purpose, and strives to carry out that purpose. Imagine a virus entering a cell and altering even a single strand or minuscule portion of the double helix in the DNA. As a result, the cell might stop functioning, behave strangely, develop cancer, etc. In this illustration, the virus is the interruption that occurred during casting the spell. Even though it is minute, transient, and faint, it can have a terrible impact on how the spell functions as a whole.

Our thoughts shape the energy that generates and regulates spell work. A spell is not sentient; it does not think for itself; instead, it functions similarly to a computer. To get the computer to do what you want it to do, you must follow a series of protocols. When you are distracted, the computer doesn't know or care; it simply incorporates that into its program. This is why concentration and intent are so vital.

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Protection reading review

Thanks for having a look at the protections over my family! Even though you mentioned the energy was very strong, you didn't back down even though the work was exhausting. You even noticed the outermost layer that I didn't mention anything about. Sorry it was so intense! But I really appreciate the hard work you did. I can tell you really care about your craft, and you've got the skills to keep it going. Thanks again, and have a nice day!

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Beginner Class - Moon Phases

Introduction to Moon Phases & Lunar Magic

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By KB

Introduction

Welcome back to class everyone! Today we're going to have a small introduction to lunar magic & discuss the Moon phases! The Moon has been significant in myths and customs all around the world from the beginnings of human civilization. It has been used as a light source and a chronometer for ages. Similar to the Sun, it has been associated with a variety of deities all throughout the world. This heavenly body has always been connected to many fundamental aspects of human existence, including love, passion, fertility, mystery, death and rebirth, and the afterlife, in both myth and magic. The Moon continues to play a significant role in Wicca and other contemporary Witchcraft and Paganism practices.

Briefing of the Moon

The Earth has its own energy, which is separate from the energy it receives from the Sun, according to scientists. The Moon also gives off a faint yet distinct energy. The energy of the moon is feminine and receptive as opposed to the masculine, projective energy of the Sun. Anyone who has experienced the Moon's physical pull can understand why its power is frequently described as magnetic. At the Full or New Moon, some people who are especially sensitive really experience a physical tug in their bodies, while others merely have a heightened awareness of everything around them.

The feminine, receptive, and magnetic energy of our own intuition is perfectly suited to engage with lunar energy. This is the most important mode of perception when it comes to magic, often known as our sixth sense. Therefore, when we intentionally connect with Moon energy, we are creating a channel for that energy to help bring about the necessary changes in our life. And we can actually increase the power of our magical activity when we do this in conscious sync with the energetic rhythms of the Moon's cycle. This is so because each moon phase offers unique energies that can be tapped into for special magical purposes.

Working With The Moon

Moon magic is the practice of enhancing spellcraft by utilizing the power of the moon and its cycles. You undoubtedly already know that spellwork and rituals are frequently performed during the full moon by magical practitioners. It's simple to use the moon for your intended purpose because it is at the peak of its metaphysical potency. However, depending on the kind of spell work you wish to conduct, all phases of the moon offer strategic advantages.

Lunar magic is a type of sympathetic magic in which practitioners align their spells and witchcraft with the moon's cyclical phases. Lunar magic users interpret the moon's changing phases as having characteristics that are helpful for various purposes, sorts of spells, or rituals. Each phase, from waxing to waning, has a magical correlation that guides a witch's work. The connections come from humanity's long history of using the moon as a calendar, navigational aid, and fertility symbol. The moon has traditionally been associated with masculinity by many civilizations, but in the modern West, the moon is frequently associated with femininity and is connected to women, fertility, and feminine cycles.

Now, all of this may seem historically complex and even scientifically oriented (and it certainly can be! ), but working with the moon is a flexible sort of witchcraft that allows for "choose your own adventure" thinking. It can be as intricate and challenging as you wish, or it might just be about interacting with the natural rhythms' exquisite beauty. You can focus all of your magick on lunar living or you can just perform a ritual for the new or full moon whenever it is convenient for you. Don't be afraid; the moon is not erratic and is always present. Simply get in and give it a go however seems appropriate to you.

Moon Phases

Witchcraft practitioners frequently use the moon's phases and their corresponding rituals to give their spells and rituals a little extra strength or to just serve as a reminder to focus on different things throughout the month. Although I'm here to offer inspiration and suggestions for how to use the moon in your magical life, how you work with it is distinctly particular to you, so this post isn't the be-all and end-all of lunar magic.

Here are the fundamentals. In witchcraft, we frequently add a ninth phase before the new moon, which scientists would regard as the same. However, there are eight moon phases every month according to science. The lunar cycle begins with the dark/new moon, increases or waxes until it reaches the full moon, then shrinks or wane until it reaches the dark moon, when the cycle resumes.

9 Moon Phases

Dark Moon

New Moon

Waxing Crescent

First Quarter

Waxing Gibbous

Full Moon

Waning Gibbous

Last Quarter

Waning Crescent

The intents, spells, and rituals associated with each of these stages include banishing, abundance, shadow work, manifesting, times of release, and times that attract things toward you. It is claimed that aligning your magical activities with the moon's phases can help you tap into their energy and encourage the results you want.

Dark Moon

The moment has come for destructive magic. Not necessarily "harmful," but now would be the ideal moment to cast a curse or hex. The optimum time to perform magical work to eliminate or banish strong spirits, addictions, or illnesses is during the Dark Moon. Do not waste this opportunity. It is advisable to use this time for something that presents a real threat. Also a fantastic time for divination and soul-searching. The black moon phase is all about the unconscious mind and is most frequently employed as a period for dream work, ancestral remembrance, and divination. Take advantage of this stage to really explore your inner thoughts. Turn inward, meditate, and consider your course of action. Simmer your soul in a hot ritual bath, or have a deep-tissue massage to release accumulated trauma.

New Moon

Moon mapping practitioners assert that the new Moon is a good time to reflect on significant issues or make broad plans for the next lunar cycle and beyond. The new Moon is focused on concepts of attraction and invitation. As a result, the majority of new Moon rites focus on sowing seeds for the future, which makes sense given what's going on in the heavens.

Waxing Crescent

The waxing moon looks to be expanding. This period's magnetic energy aids in bringing things out. The optimum time to work with beneficial magic is during this full waxing phase. This is the ideal moment if you want to develop a more optimistic outlook or greater patience. This is the moment to cast spells for self-improvement, such as enhancing psychic talents or learning information about a new class.

First Quarter

The First Quarter Moon is all about appeal from the outside world, whereas the New Moon is all about going within and bringing out. It is the best moment to do any type of magic that involves luring something in—whether it's a person, success, money, or anything else. Additionally, now is a great opportunity to return lost items.

Waxing Gibbous

The Waxing Gibbous Moon's energies, which are still in the 'constructive' magic phase, are excellent for giving anything you've been working on that may have stalled that extra push. Use these energies to give you a boost and help you resist temptations if you are having trouble staying motivated to complete a task or maintain a routine.

Full Moon

The Full Moon phase is the most potent of the cycle, making it the best time to deal with any pressing problems or difficulties you may be experiencing. Concentrate your rituals and spells on issues that are most crucial to your life. Additionally, this is a perfect time for magic and meditations centered on psychic growth, spirituality, and divination. The Full Moon is the time you would use for increased power when you are confronting really challenging problems, even more so than the Dark Moon. Full Moon magic is designated for those significant aspects of your life that require significant changes or boosts; it is not only for small jobs. It is best to focus on priorities during this period.

Waning Gibbous

Working on spells to banish is an excellent idea at this time because waning energies repel rather than attract. During the fading phases, minor banishings can be carried out. The ideal time to clean everything in general, including your house, yard, office, personal items, magical instruments, etc. It is best to end everything during the Waning Gibbous period, whether it be a commercial endeavor or a romance. Self-reflection is also an excellent thing to do at this time. Think on your past and inwardly rather of focusing on the future. Perform spells and rituals during this phase that are intended to perform minor banishings and cleansings. Now is a great moment to reflect and identify anything that is no longer in line with your goals.

Last Quarter

This is the ideal time to go through any challenges you've had to face while working toward your objectives. Use charms to help you overcome obstacles that might encourage you to give up. The same is true for whatever transitions you may be going through; take advantage of these energy to iron out any kinks and make the procedure move more smoothly.

Waning Crescent

The energies are more suited for larger banishings, including getting rid of anything that has been depleting your energy and stealing your joy. Work with the energy of this time to eliminate anything from your life that you wish to just get rid of. Focus your spells and rituals on the intentional dumping of anything that you no longer desire, whether it be quitting a fruitless project or ending a damaging acquaintance or relationship.

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Beginner Class - Introduction To Spellwork

Introduction to Spellwork

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By KB

Introduction

Welcome to Chapter 5 of the beginner Class! Woo-Hoo!! Only 2 chapters to go. We're diving head first into the world of spellwork! Today, we're going to be discussing the key elements and underlying foundation of any spellwork in order for you to begin casting your own spells confidently.

Ultimately, spells serve as intermediaries that unify entities through concepts. Though there are infinite ways to create a spell, there are different types of spells based on how entities are joined. These patterns of connection demonstrate the different ways a spell can create — or break — a bond.

Intention

We've all heard this a thousand times, I'm sure. Spellwork requires focus of intention. While this isn't necessarily the most important part of spellwork, it does play a major role in helping direct energy. Your intention is your reasoning for casting a spell. The important part about intention is to hone in on this as specifically as possible. When your mind is focusing on your intention, it gives less of a risk for scattered or unwanted energies to interfere with your work. It allows you to focus all of your personal energy into one facet, rather than having a hand in every cup. This is one of the most important factors within preparing for spellwork. It's also important to remember to keep your correspondences in association with your intention, as it will help keep your focus.

Raising/Gathering Energy

When you actually begin to cast your spell, you must know how to raise and collect energy in order for it to carry out your intent. Allow yourself to get in a relaxed state of mind until autopilot takes over. You know this feeling - it's when you're so focused on something you're absolutely immersed in the work without even realizing it. You're not thinking about what you need to do, what could happen, or anything else for that matter. Once you have achieved this state of mind, it's time to raise and gather this energy. There are multiple ways of going about this, so let's go over some of the most basic.

Chanting/Mantras

By repeating your intention, you are speaking it into existence, thus raising the energy of your intention. You begin to forge a connection between your mind, your reality, and the intention itself.

Sensory Immersion

Using our biological human senses can be more valuable than you'd like to think. This somewhat ties into correspondences, but if you surround yourself that naturally raise this energy within you - you'll have a much easier time gathering the energy you need to direct.

Visualization

Personally, my favorite way to raise energy is through visualization. Symbolism and imagery has a profound effect on the human subconscious. When you're able to visualize your intentions and symbolism that is directly linked to your intention, it will significantly raise the energy levels for your spellwork.

I'm sure there are several other methods of raising energy, such as drum circles, dancing, activity, and even more, but these are the most common within spellwork. The main thing is to keep your mind focused on your intention. You will begin to feel the energy levels rise through your method of choice. Once you have reached the "crescendo", it is time to move to the next step.

Now, this could take anywhere from 5-10 minutes, to several hours. It depends upon the practitioner, the spell itself, and several other factors. Experiment with raising energy in different methods to find your jam.

Direct & Release

Directing is nothing more than keeping your mind focused on your intention. I know this is a bit repetitive, but human mind's are funny, especially those who are neurodivergent. It's very easy to get distracted - but it is essential that you don't! We don't want any energies that don't align with your working to interfere with anything at all.

As far as releasing goes, there are several ways to do this as well. Burning, breaking, or tearing objects seem to be the most common method, but you could stomp, shout, or use any other motion if it feels right. Sometimes people infuse their spells into food or drinks - in which you would eat or drink in order to release this energy. Once you feel you have released the energy you raised in the initial phase, it is time to "seal" your spell.

Again, there are several ways to seal a spell. Some like to seal it with a phrase such as "so mote it be", others may opt to draw a sigil with an athame or wand in the air, or just a simple gesture. This is all very personal, so just go with what feels right for you. Once you have finished, it is EXTREMELY important to take care of your energy levels. Ground out, eat a good snack, and go outside to let Mother Earth absorb your excess energy.

Create A Channel

This is essentially creating a connection to flow freely between you, your intent, and the worldly energies swirling around. This is the action you must take in order for your work to come to fruition. For example, if I cast a spell to meet new people, I may choose to volunteer at new places, create a profile in a new online space, visit the dog park - anything that puts myself in a position in which the energy has potential to manifest. Without putting action behind your intention, remember, that's just "wishcraft".

[ancientcraftnoccultism]

how to get a possibly malicious entity to leave your space? I’ve had this horrible anxiety and bad sleep and bad hallucinations and feelings in my bedroom recently and it feels like I’m being watched, so I think it may be some kind of spirit toying with me. I’m a baby witch and don’t have access to sage + I am a minor and have school so I don’t have money to buy things or lots of time to spend on it.

Any way you can help?

Honestly, you don't need to spend any money on anything. The only thing you need to do is devote time to raising your energy and learning to shield your aura. Sound cleanses - I like to use bronze bells, or even cast iron to clear out anything that may be there that is unwanted. You also want to have wards in place, which act as thresholds that certain energy cannot cross. I highly recommend you doing this to your entire house, or at least your bedroom if you don't have the capabilities to do that yet.

You can also cleanse with light, vision (aka your imagination), and my personal favorite - a dry branch from a cedar tree.

[ancientcraftnoccultism]

Thank you so much for making these small guides! I’m snooping around in the idea of witchcraft and Magick and these have been incredibly helpful ❤️

You're very welcome! I'm glad they've been helpful for you! ♡

[ancientcraftnoccultism]

Beginner Class - Correspondences 101

Ancient Craft & Occultism

Correspondences 101

By KB

Introduction

Welcome back to another lesson! Today, we're diving head first into the world of correspondences. What exactly are they? Why do we use them? We're going to discuss that and more in this lesson! Let's get to it.

What Are Correspondences?

In essence, correspondences are objects or aspects of objects that represent symbolism in direct correlation with a specific energy. Practically anything and everything has the potential to be a correspondence, therefore correspondences are subject to change depending upon the individual practitioner. Some of you may find yourself attributing certain emotions with colors - this itself is an example of a correspondence. Everything has its own energy, and using the energy that is in direct relation to your spellworking allows for that energy to be amplified and released into your work.

As Antoine Faivre (a French Occultist) states in his book Access to Western Esotericism:

"Symbolic and real correspondences (there is no room for abstractions here!) are said to exist among all parts of the universe, both seen and unseen....These correspondences, considered more or less veiled at first sight, are, therefore, intended to be read and deciphered....The principles of noncontradiction and excluded middle of linear causality are replaced here by those of the included middle and synchronicity. We can distinguish two kinds of correspondences. First, those that exist in nature, seen and unseen, e.g. between the seven metals and the seven planets, between the planets and parts of the human body or character (or of society). This is the basis of astrology - correspondence between the natural world and the invisible departments of the celestial and supercelestial world, etc. Next there are correspondences between nature (the cosmos) or even history, and revealed texts. Here we find the Kabbalah, whether Jewish or Christian, and varieties of 'physica sacra'....Ultimately the world stage is a linguistic phenomena."

Or as Pierre Riffard (a French philosopher) states in his book Dictionnaire de L'ésotérisme:

"The doctrine of analogy and correspondence, present in all esoteric schools of thinking, upholds that the Whole is One and that its different levels (realms, worlds) are equivalent systems, whose parts are in strict correspondence. So much so that a part in a realm symbolically reflects and interacts with the corresponding part in another realm. For instance, the Sun in the mineral realm is the counterpart of the Lion in the animal realm. The relation between A and B is similar to the relation between C and D. The microcosm and macrocosm are analogous, that is, equivalent, similar in their structures, even though they are outwardly dissimilar. The parts are in strict correspondence, closely knit together and closely interacting: thus feet/pisces, veins/rivers."

This is exactly why you use specific herbs, go for specific timing or moon phases, use certain colored candles, and much more.

Why Do We Use Them?

When raising our energy and directing our energy towards our goal, it's very useful to have elements that align with that as a means to amplify the energy. It takes less energy on the practitioner's end, as the natural energy of the objects being utilized is aligned with the energy needed in the work. A lot of it has to do with association, as that's a natural way for our mind's to process information. If you're doing a spell or ritual that is about healing, and you include a solar symbol or something orange, your mind may focus on a different energy rather than healing, which would interfere with the energy of your working.

It's important to make sure all correspondences are considered with your personal associations of things as a means to help you raise and direct energy.

Can I Make My Own Correspondences?

As stated above, the energies connected to particular items are known as correspondences, and they can be employed to increase the power and efficacy of your spell while also giving additional energy. These energies are influenced by a variety of elements, such as nature, colors, history, and culinary and medicinal applications. You would probably find at least one or two lists of correspondences for frequently used items in any book on witchcraft, especially for herbs and crystals. While the majority of correspondence lists are excellent, there are occasionally those that contain ambiguous correspondences, thus it is crucial to investigate any correspondences you are unsure about. Even if I wholeheartedly endorse the usage of these lists, especially for novice practitioners, how can we do away with them, particularly those in which we are unsure about the source of the information?

Look At Practical Uses

Examining the object's beneficial uses is the simplest method to get started writing your own correspondences. How do you utilize the item on a daily basis? What role does it play in the home? Take the broom, for instance. The broom's primary use is to sweep up dirt and debris from the house. Brooms can therefore be used to tidy up an area. Is the plant you're looking at utilized for cooking? What flavor does it have? What flavor does it add to the food? Is it able to glue the elements together, thicken, or color them? What is it used for if it has therapeutic uses? Does it relieve pain, calm rashes, improve focus, promote sleep, or treat infections?

Cayenne peppers, for instance, are hot and add long-lasting heat to the dish. They can also be used medicinally to reduce pain, increase metabolism, and hasten digestion. Based on these real-world applications, cayenne can be used to speed up a spell for a long time, eliminate rivals, or ignite your romantic life. We can begin to deduce some of their elemental correspondences from these practical applications. The cayenne pepper, which is hot and red, is related to the element Fire, whereas the broom, which is sturdy and purifying, is related to the element Earth.

Historical Uses

Once you have examined an item's practical applications, you might explore its history. Most things we use every day, especially those found in nature, are covered in folklore. To start figuring out other correspondences for an object, I advise consulting mythology, urban legends, medical books, and other historical documents. It takes time and needs critical thought to determine correspondences, but the effort is definitely worth it.

Scientific Nature

Next, start examining the object's scientific nature. The easiest way to do this is to use natural objects like plants, rocks, fungi, animals, insects, and other living and nonliving things that are present in your local environment. Where is the item often located? What features or qualities distinguish it from other things? What function does it serve in the ecosystem? Does it exhibit any distinctive behaviors? Take the flavor of mint. Almost all mint species develop swiftly and prolifically. If you don't watch them, your entire yard will be taken over. They are associated with abundance, prosperity, and fertility because of their prodigious nature. Some of these scientific correspondences are simple to infer, while others require some additional research.

Your Intuition

When determining an object's correspondences, the first three ways use logic; your intuition uses your psychology and emotions. Intuition is one of a witch's strongest weapons, although our contemporary culture frequently downplays its accuracy and trustworthiness. Start by wrapping your consciousness around the item in meditation before using your intuition to find correspondences. What does your intuition have to say about the thing? What comes to mind when you think of the thing you're looking at? Personal correspondence frequently starts in this area. At least for you, your personal connection to an object and the correspondences you create by employing your intuition have incredible power.

Consult With Spirit

Finally, you can speak with the object's spirit to learn more about its correspondences. The concept of animism holds that all things, both living and nonliving, have a spirit that we can interact with and form relationships with. This is easier said than done, and before attempting this kind of communication, you must be able to distinguish between your own intuition and mental chatter. It's normal for some witches, especially novice witches, to struggle with this correspondence determination process. This is an excellent chance for you to develop your spiritual gifts. Start by grounding and meditating with the object in issue, just like you would when using your intuition to determine correspondences. However, leave yourself open rather than putting your mind into the thing.

Keep the general mental chatter at bay and concentrate on the work at hand. Set out with the goal of listening rather than speaking. Depending on the object, you might hear it speak loud and clear in full sentences, or you might only see a flash of color or experience an emotion. But the secret is to approach this situation with no expectations. The item may not speak to you at all because you are not entitled to a dialogue with it. However, by building a relationship with the object beforehand, you can increase the possibility that it will communicate to you. Offer it gifts, communicate with it, take care of it, etc. Do essentially everything you would to make a new friend.

You will gain a strong understanding of how to employ the object in your own magical practice after combining these five techniques. Additionally, it will improve your magical practice overall and reinforce your bond with the object, enhancing its effectiveness as a component of your spells. The object will be considerably more likely to help you if you can communicate with its spirit.

[ancientcraftnoccultism]

Beginner Class - Casting A Circle

Ancient Craft & Occultism

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By KB

Introduction

Welcome back to class everyone! ♡ As you may have noticed, we're moving out of getting familiar with our own energy and beginning to establish our own path in the craft! It's important to note that everyone's path will be different, which is one of the main reasons for so many various forms of the same essential practices. Today we will be discussing casting circles in ceremonial work. Casting circles IS NOT ESSENTIAL when it comes to ceremonial work, although specific paths do adhere to this tradition. It's also very beneficial when starting your path to find what does & doesn't work for you! Let's get into it.

What Is A Circle?

Essentially, a circle is an energetic barrier that is used as protection, concentration, and raising energy. The magic circle represents fullness, perfection, and unity as well as the cosmos' creation, the womb of mother Earth, the seasonal cycle, and birth-death-regeneration. It becomes possible to transcend the physical and to awaken the mind to greater and deeper levels of consciousness inside the circle.

Since ancient times, when they were drawn around the beds of sick people and new mothers to shield them from demons, circles have had a magical, protective connotation. The ruins of stone circles in Britain are evidence of the significance of circles in early paganic rituals. Modern Paganism and Witchcraft use sacred circles that are derived from Western ceremonial magic. Despite these significant variances, there are some parallels.

In ceremonial magic, the circle stands in for a sacred location where the magician summons and controls deadly and elusive spirits and entities. The circle must be carefully cast in order to protect against them. In order to avoid having a summoned entity seize him and strike him down or experience something terrible, the practitioner must never leave the circle while performing a ritual, not even accidentally swinging his arm outside of it. Detailed directions for casting the circle with consecrated ritual materials during specific astrological conditions and hours of the day or night are provided in grimoires and other magical texts. A floor that has been well cleaned is used to form the circle, and salt might be used to emphasize the border.

In modern Paganism and Witchcraft, circles are formed based on the amount of space available, the number of participants, and the goal. They can be measured out with a string or traced on the ground, or they can simply be established by traversing the circumference. Outside, circles might not be perfectly round. A circle is cast after expelling bad energy. The high priestess in Wicca may symbolically sweep it away with a broom. Participants' consciousness is prepared through esoteric techniques like breathing exercises, drumming, visualization, and meditation. The circle area contains the altar and the necessary ritual supplies. Pagans and witches working alone could just have a few tools. The four quarters, or cardinal points, are marked with candles, stones, or other things placed on the ground. These circles can be cast for protection, for example, to ward off psychic attack or protect a home against intruders. magic circles do not last indefinitely; protective ones must be periodically recharged through ritual.

Why Cast A Circle?

Ritual magic can be hindered by a variety of things, including distractions from the real world, other people's opposing wills, and chaotic entities who feed off the practitioner's efforts, to mention a few. Casting a circle might help you block out outside distractions and maintain your attention on the task at hand. Many practitioners cast the circle with psychic protection in mind because a magical trance can be a psychically vulnerable state.

The inner barrier of the circle is just as significant as the outer one. Like all energy that we are aware of, magical energy has a propensity to ricochet and disperse throughout the cosmos. Its natural habit is motion. The basic idea behind ritual is to temporarily focus part of that energy for a specific reason. You may gather more energy and hold onto it longer in a circle. A well-constructed circle provides spirits or deities with a comfortable landing area for the length of the ritual if your activity entails calling forth spirits or deities.

All of this can be summed up by noting that a magic circle serves two main functions: to keep outside disruptions out and to keep ritual energy inside. Without a doubt, this is greatly oversimplified. So let's suppose the circle is a tool to help your magick be more powerful.

How Do I Cast One?

Well, this one is honestly all up to you. As with most things in witchcraft, everything depends upon the practitioner. Regardless of whatever way you decide to cast your circle, all methods share a form of concentration/visualization and commitment to self belief.

Four cardinal points are evenly spaced around the circumference of a conventional circle. They are connected to the Wiccan seasonal calendar, the four directions, and the four elements. The Quarters, in my opinion, are legendary beings that have made appearances in numerous world faiths. You can think of them as tent poles to balance the energy and form of the circle. All of them are typical procedures in circle-casting: Visualizing the circle's boundaries, walking around it, cutting a boundary with a dagger or sword, calling the Quarters, lighting candles, setting objects along the circle's edge, and performing a ritual cleaning inside the circle. You might incorporate some or all of these components into your casting.

Some individuals favor using an athame, a length of cord, stones, or candles for each of the four quarters when casting the circle. Setting up the circle's boundaries can be made much easier with the use of these tools. Since participants may not be familiar with the ins and outs of circle-casting, more tools are typically employed in larger and more public rituals. Numerous calls, shrines at the Quarters, chants, and textual evocations are frequently used in large public circles to increase visibility. There isn't a technique that is superior to the others. The participants' will and other circumstances will affect the circle's strength.

Here's a small guideline to help those who aren't sure where to begin this exercise.

Ground & Center Yourself

Set the four cardinal points with correspondences if you wish

Light an incense (or visualize) and use it as a wand to "trace out" your circle.

As you face each cardinal point, call to the spirits of the direction if you wish.

You will have a very distinguished energetic feeling, which will feel different for everyone, but you will know once your circle has formed a solid foundation.

Of course, there are MANY ways to cast a circle, this just may be the most basic for those who aren't sure where to begin.

[ancientcraftnoccultism]

In the vast landscape of the soul, anger and irritability are tempestuous storms that threaten the serenity of our inner sanctuary. Like a fiery dragon, anger engulfs our being, scorching the delicate petals of peace and leaving behind charred remnants of harmony. It is a turbulent whirlwind, stirring up waves of resentment that crash against the shores of our tranquility. Irritability, on the other hand, is a prickly thorn vine that wraps around our emotions, its barbs piercing the delicate fabric of our patience. It whispers like a mischievous imp, provoking unrest and unsettling the balance of our spirit. But fear not, for amidst the chaos, there is solace to be found. Just as the phoenix rises from the ashes, our inner light can transcend the storms of anger and irritability. With the gentle touch of self-awareness, we can quell the raging tempest, allowing the winds of compassion to guide us towards the serene shores of understanding.

[ancientcraftnoccultism]

Beginner Class - Four Pillars of Magic

Ancient Craft & Occultism

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By KB

Introduction

Welcome back to class everyone! Today, we're going to get a bit more in depth on ceremonial magic. We're going to talk about the four pillars of magic, also known as the witch's pyramid. Now, this is a Wiccan term and ideology, however, it is also used in several other occult circles as a basic foundation for knowledge. Not only will we discuss that, but we will talk about my personal four pillars of magic, which differ a bit from the traditional witch's pyramid. I hope you're able to use this lesson as a way to expand your personal practice and build a solid foundation for your craft.

The Witch's Pyramid

The witch's pyramid is a philosophical structure intended to demonstrate the foundation of magical arts. The name derives from the fact that a pyramid, a symbol of enlightenment, has four corners that support the construction equally. While this idea is well known in Wiccan circles, there is evidence that it dates back to Hermeticism, if not further. The most supported claim within the community is that Eliphas Levi created this term [originally Power of the Magi] in his Doctrine of Rituals and High Magic in the late 1800s.

To Know

To Will

To Dare

Silence

Aleister Crowley later added on to this ideology in the earlier half of the 1900s in his book, Magic Without Tears.

To Go

The broader witchcraft community didn't adopt these five powers until about the 1950s (give or take a decade), at which point they became known as the Witch's Pyramid. Even though The Witch's Pyramid isn't necessarily accepted by every culture as a formal system of philosophy, the ideas are very much the same everywhere. So let's examine these five powers collectively referred to as the Witch's Pyramid today.

To Know [Nescere] -

Correspondences - Air, Intellect, Wisdom, Intuition, Logic

This implies that we constantly work to increase our knowledge and apply it to both our daily lives and our magickal work. It entails having a thorough understanding of the craft. The more a witch knows, the more powerful and effective his or her magick can and will be since, as the proverb goes, "knowledge is power." Always seek the truth, and be prepared to adjust your viewpoint as you learn more. Know yourself, master your trade, and never stop learning.

To Will [Velle] -

Correspondences - Heart, Desire, Emotion

We effect change with our will when practicing the magical art of witchcraft. Believe in your ability, your craft, yourself, and your spells. Through regular meditation and visualization practice, as well as having the motivation, we can learn to focus our mind. Keep sending out energy with the conviction that it will accomplish your goals. Keep your entire attention on what you are doing, why you are doing it, and the pertinent energy. We must desire the magic to work if we want it to. Our commitment and vigor are what cause manifestation.

To Dare [Audere] -

Correspondences - Fire, Discipline, Action

We are brave in everything we undertake and overcome any fear or hesitation. We don't hesitate to try new things because we have confidence in our skills, knowledge, and abilities. When we venture into astral regions, for example, we dare to transcend physical limitations and give ourselves over to the universe. We have the courage to interact with entities and spirits in this world and others, and we are receptive to their knowledge.

Silence [Tacere] -

Correspondences - Earth, Stability

Both internal and external peace are related to keeping silent. After casting a spell, we typically avoid talking about it or wondering if it was effective because doing so could make someone doubt their own abilities and undercut the work they have already done. In the same way, we also consider our words and our information before sharing it, especially with people from other worlds. We shall adhere to witch etiquette and refrain from disclosing any material that is subject to an oath, but we won't always share everything we know about witchcraft.

To Go [Ire]

Correspondences - Spirit, Growth

We will keep moving forward, manifesting, and evolving. By bringing the four powers of the base of the pyramid into perfect balance and utilizing them in ways that balance the light and dark, we will be able to master them.

KB's Four Pillars

What I consider to be the four pillars of magic, the cornerstones of the trade, would be the ideal place to begin, in my opinion. Cursing, Blessing, Cleansing, and Protection. All other magic may be connected to one of these four pillars, and once you learn them, you will be able to perform any spell or working and use them as launching pads for additional study in uncharted territory. Starting with a solid foundation is the greatest approach to position yourself for success in anything you do with magic as it is a craft that is constantly evolving and is the subject of ongoing research. My personal biased of the four key elements of magic are listed here, along with my justifications for each one.

Blessing

With a traditional blessing, you are requesting divine help, or help from something other than yourself, to bring about a desired outcome. Additionally, it is not always a good thing. Although they frequently have a pleasant meaning, blessings are only a method of casting a magic in which the power and workings of the spell originate from an outside source. Asking a deity to guard your home against harm is a nice illustration of it. Since the spell's energy invokes a deity to grant protection, it is regarded as a blessing. While blessings can be a bit more difficult to use, they do not bind the caster to the work itself. Your energy is not connected to the spell itself and is not constrained by the spell's effects as you are requesting divine or other assistance in the spell. However, as a result of this, you essentially have no influence over the working's outcome, course, or duration. The only thing you have complete control over is whether you do the spell since you are not the one casting it. That said, blessings are quite potent and shouldn't be taken lightly because anything involving the divine can turn out a bit theatrical…

Cleansing

While shielding is excellent at preventing outside influences from interfering with spellwork, spells sometimes resemble cars and require maintenance. Cleansing is crucial for removing the accumulated energy that can attach themselves to people, places, and things. Like a car, magic has a lot of moving parts, and the key to ensuring sure any spell is effective is to make sure that the car is filled with oil and that all of its components are greased. As an illustration, let's imagine that after performing a blessing and requesting heavenly or cosmic assistance, you turn around and want to do a curse using nothing more than your own energy. If the divine energy is not removed, it will remain and find its way into the curse, causing it to behave differently, act against a different person, work against you, or maybe not work at all. You may remove negative energies from your possessions, workstation, and yourself by cleaning them. This might be a constructive or destructive force, or it might be chaotic. Keeping in mind that like attracts like in physics and quantum mechanics, magic must abide by these criteria.

Cursing

When I use the term "cursing," I don't mean the Hollywood interpretation of a malicious spell cast on someone; rather, I mean magic that is fueled solely by your own will and nothing else. A curse, as opposed to a blessing, is when you directly control the world with your own will in order to shape it the way you wish. A curse is merely a different technique to cast a spell, and it can be used for good or for bad. When casting a curse, all of the energy used to power the spell originates from you; neither divine intervention nor requesting the assistance of an element are involved. As a result, curses are significantly more potent and adaptable than blessings. You have some degree of control over how the spell is written, how it is cast, how it turns out, and even how long it takes to function. Nevertheless, a curse uses your energy and will, so most individuals feel drained and occasionally ill after casting a spell. Additionally, because curses link you to the spell, any effects it may have on the spell may also have an impact on you. Most people associate curses with unpleasant things, but in reality, a curse is just someone changing their environment via the power of their own will.

Protection

Protection magic is usually performed before most workings and is crucial for both you and the people you love. There are many different types of magic, and protection magic can be as simple or as complex as you like. By using and understanding different types of protection magic, such as circles, wards, crystals, elements, etc., a practitioner can expand into other types of magic. This is something you might expand on as you get more skilled with protection magic, guarding not only yourself and your loved ones but also your possessions, your land, your precious objects, etc.

Conclusion

We live in a magical world. It is in the atmosphere, audible in the sound of wind-sighing trees, in the early hours of the morning when the sun just so happens to reach the skyscrapers, and in the pitch-blackness of the night when it is just you, your thoughts, and the stars. Working with magic and the craft allows you to take control of your own universe and reality and shape it whatever you like. Magic is almost a separate thing even though it abides by the laws of physics, chemistry, biology, and quantum mechanics. You will have all you need to embark on your adventure and follow the route, wherever it may lead you, after learning and practicing.

[ancientcraftnoccultism]

Beginner Class - Shadow Work 101

Ancient Craft & Occultism

Shadow Work 101

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By KB

Introduction

Hello again, everyone! Welcome back to class ♡ Now that we've gone over in more detail about our personal energy - let's discuss something that is often forced upon beginner's, especially within New Age circles. You guessed it, shadow work. First and foremost, shadow work is not mandatory in order for you to be a practitioner or a witch. Let's take a closer look into this term.

What Is Shadow Work?

In essence, shadow work is a type of emotional therapy. Traumatic events in our lives inevitably leave us with emotional scars. As a result, we frequently try to repress these feelings since they make us feel uneasy, apprehensive, and panicked. Every time these emotions are provoked, we push them to the back of our minds as a type of emotional self-defense. The issue with this coping method is that by keeping our trauma hidden, we are not healing from it; instead, it simmers inside of us and will eventually appear physically. Numerous things, such as physical disease, worry, panic attacks, mental illnesses, and self-harm, might manifest this.

The term "shadow" was initially used by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung to refer to those facets of our personalities that we actively choose to suppress and reject. We all have aspects of ourselves that we don't like for various reasons, or that we believe society won't like, so we push those aspects down into our unconscious psyches. Jung referred to this group of suppressed facets of our personality as our shadow self.

“The shadow is a moral problem that challenges the whole ego-personality, for no one can become conscious of the shadow without considerable moral effort. To become conscious of it involves recognizing the dark aspects of the personality as present and real. This act is the essential condition for any kind of self-knowledge.” - Carl Jung 1951

What Is The Shadow?

The shadow is made up of everything we reject about ourselves, including everything we consider to be bad, evil, or unacceptable. This dark side is everything that conflicts with our conscious attitude that we have decided about ourselves. The disowned self is the individual shadow. This shadow self stands in for the aspects of ourselves that we no longer identify as being our own, including our innate virtues.

These unexplored or rejected facets of our personalities remain. We try to cast them out by denying them, but we are unable to do so. They are a part of our unconscious that we suppress. Consider whatever we are not aware of as belonging to our unconscious. The shadow won't go away. It remains with us as our dark sibling. When we fail to recognize it, trouble results. For sure, it is standing just behind us at that point.

Every young child is aware of compassion, kindness, and love, but he also exhibits rage, egotism, and avarice. These feelings are a component of our common humanity. But something changes as we mature. The characteristics of "being good" are accepted, whilst the characteristics of "being bad" are disapproved of. All humans have fundamental necessities. These needs include those for physical well-being, security and safety, and belonging. These innate and biological demands must be met.

When we were kids, our surroundings gave us cues when we displayed certain aspects of ourselves. Perhaps we had a tantrum out of rage. After the incident, our parents chastised us and sent us to our room. Or perhaps in our first-grade classroom, we were brave, lively, impromptu, or silly. In front of the class, our teacher called us to task for acting impolitely and ordered us to sit down. Every time that happened—and it may have happened frequently—it put one of our fundamental requirements in danger. We learned to adapt to the outside world and changed our conduct to suit our needs. In the first 20 years of our lives, all of the aspects of us that have been rejected or discouraged are collected and hidden.

Can I Just Ignore My Shadow?

Sure, you can, but only at your own risk. I’m sure you’re familiar with the story of Dr. Jeckell & Mr. Hyde… not only that, it causes our perception of reality to be distorted. We recognize in others the qualities we reject in ourselves. Psychologists refer to this as projection. Everything we buried within us, we project onto others. It's a safe probability that you haven't acknowledged your own rudeness if, for instance, you become annoyed when someone is disrespectful to you. This does not imply that they are not being impolite to you. But you wouldn't mind someone else being rude as much if rudeness wasn't in your shadow self.

This procedure doesn't involve conscious thought. Our predictions are unknown to us. This defense mechanism is used by our egos to protect how they see themselves. We are prevented from engaging with our shadow by our false identities as "good" people. These psychological projections skew reality, separating how we perceive ourselves from how we act in the world.

Benefits of Shadow Work

Who appreciates being honest about their flaws, weaknesses, selfishness, nasty behavior, hatred, etc.? It is more pleasurable and affirming to concentrate on our strengths. However, exploring our shadow side offers us a ton of chances for improvement. Let's look at a few ways that this work can be useful to us.

Better Personal Relationships

You have a clearer understanding of yourself when you embrace your darker side and come to terms with it. You develop into a more solid, complete person. It is simpler to tolerate the shadow in people when you can accept your own darker sides. As a result, you won't be as easily triggered by other people's actions. You'll also find it simpler to interact with other people.

Clear Perception

You'll have a clearer lens through which to perceive the world if you accept everyone as they are, including yourself. You're becoming closer to your actual self as you integrate your shadow self, which helps you make a more accurate judgment of who you are. You won't think of yourself as being excessively large or little. You can more effectively gauge your environment when you are self-aware.

Better Health

It is exhausting to drag this unseen bag of things behind us. Repressing and suppressing all the aspects of ourselves that we don't want to confront as adults is tough effort. The unstudied life can be plagued with fatigue and sluggishness. Physical discomfort and disease can also result from mental suppression. With Jungian shadow work, you can unknowingly release a huge reserve of energy that you were using to defend yourself. Your physical, mental, and emotional well-being can all be enhanced by this. You can become more balanced and develop inner strength through shadow work, which will prepare you for life's obstacles.

Unleash Creativity

Jungian shadow work enhances your creative potential, which is one of its major advantages. According to psychologists like Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, creativity occurs spontaneously in those who are psychologically well (integrated).

Tips for Beginning

Shadow work can be very intimidating for a lot of us. We don't want to have to reopen old wounds in order to allow then to heal properly. However, there are some ways to make this process a bit easier.

Centering Yourself

Perhaps the most crucial action to take before beginning a shadow job is this. Yet, working with the shadow is seldom ever acknowledged in literature. You won't get useful results if you try to understand your shadow self while you're not grounded in your Self. The shadow stands for a collection of numerous elements that are concealed within your psyche. You can only learn about these areas by starting from your center. One of these components will take control of the process if it is "blended" with you. You'll be judgmental, harsh, or perplexed. Your capacity to integrate your shadow will be hampered by this. Be a peaceful, clear, and neutral area before you start working with your shadow.

Be Kind To Yourself

It is beneficial to develop an unconditional sense of friendship with oneself before getting to know your shadow. Its name in Buddhism is Maitri. To examine our darker aspects requires friendship and self-compassion, which can be challenging. It is challenging to face your shadow if you are harsh on yourself when you err. If you frequently experience guilt or shame, you must learn to transform these feelings into friendliness, self-acceptance, and self-compassion. Begin by acknowledging your own humanity. Keep in mind that we are all shadows in each other's soup, as Jung used to say.

Be Courageous & Honest

Shadow work requires integrity and self-honesty. It's simple to give lip service to these virtues, but real self-honesty requires being open to recognizing our negative traits in our actions and personalities. The ego spends a lot of energy suppressing your disowned portions since it is frequently uncomfortable to do so. It can be difficult to acknowledge and embrace your oppressive bad aspects and insecure selfishness. It takes bravery to examine your attitudes, behaviors, troubled ideas, and negative feelings.

Keep a Record

The desire of some of our disowned portions to remain hidden from view fascinates me. Our disowned portions can elude us, much like how a dream might vanish from memory right after you wake up. A cure is to keep a writing notebook where you can chronicle your self-discoveries. It is easier to encode the discovery into your awareness when you write down your insights and review them afterwards.

Beginning Shadow Work

Discover False Beliefs

We typically aren't aware that we are suppressing anything when we learn to hide some aspects of ourselves from others in order to please our parents, blend in with our friends, or perform well in school. We simply believe that we are being nice, useful humans. Then something sets us off.

Honor Your Feelings

Your emotions serve as a warning system for any subconsciously held resistance, myths, or emotional scars. It's critical to identify these emotions because, like to your automobile issue, subconscious problems may prevent spells from working. Never suppress your feelings or blame yourself for having them. That will simply deepen your emotional traumas and erroneous notions in your subconscious and make you feel worse.

Heal

Your pain can be healed now that you've found its source. Don't forget that the goal isn't to control your emotions. Your feelings are your subconscious trying to tell you something, and these messages are important! Changing your tale to something more positive can allow you to manage your reactions.